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Many people consider biodynamic farming as “extreme” organic farming, absolutely natural and spiritually aware of dynamic interactions, the wider environment, and the universe. According to the principles of biodynamic farming, nature should be perceived and treated holistically. Each organism is part of whole, and all organisms are interdependent on one other. Plants, as a part of the world’s larger community, are dependent on several forces: soil, water, air (light), and fire (temperature). Two forces continuously pull the plant in opposite directions: one pulls them upwards (towards the sun) and the other downwards (towards the soil). Therefore roots, leaves, flowers, and fruits are nothing more than expressions of these forces.

The principles of biodynamic farming state that there are always cosmic forces and energies (the sun, moon, planets, stars and heavenly bodies) that not only affect life, but also contribute to it, as in the development and shaping of plants. According to scientific experiments within biodynamic farming, when the moon is full, there appears to be a clear increase in the moisture content of the earth. The moon’s energies are focused on the sap and water level found in plants, resulting in quicker germination and faster plant growth or recovery. Since the forces of the moon are related to the forces of the twelve Zodiac signs, farmers base their work on the positions of the stars and signs (as published in the annual biodynamic calendar).

To summarize, according to the principles of biodynamic farming, soil is a living organism (each farmable part of the land is a self-sufficient ecological unit) and agriculture is an act that stirs up the forces of nature. These forces create and regulate plant life, hence the name “biodynamic” agriculture.